NY Mets third baseman David Wright released from hospital, still dealing with post-concussion symptoms

David Pokress/NewsdayMets third baseman David Wright is examined after being hit in the head with a fastball Saturday against San Francisco.

NEW YORK -- One day after a nasty Matt Cain fastball drilled his head, Mets third baseman David Wright was released from the hospital Sunday.

He will be back at the ballpark -- if not in the lineup -- by early next week, a Mets public relations official said. Wright is still suffering from post-concussion symptoms such as headaches.

Wright spent Saturday night at the Hospital for Special Surgery after leaving in the fourth inning of the game against San Francisco. Mets manager Jerry Manuel exchanged text messages with Wright. Cain left him an apologetic voicemail.

Wright met with a neurologist both Saturday night and Sunday morning. He will undergo more tests in the coming days.

It is unclear if the Mets will send Wright to the disabled list. If the tests come back clear and Wright wants to play, he will be given "the benefit of the doubt," Manuel said.

"We will have to be cautious with this," he said. "There's no question."

Fernando Tatis will play third for the time being. The infield is patchwork: Alex Cora is struggling with a hand injury as well.

"We're somewhat shackled, in a sense," Manuel said. "Cora has some issues with his hand. We'll just have to do what we do: Play good baseball. Get after it. Keep fighting."

***
Here's today's lineups for the final game of this series with the Giants as Mike Pelfrey (8-8, 4.88 ERA) faces Jonathan Sanchez (5-10, 4.61 ERA):